2nd Coordination Meeting of OIC Islamic Universities Takes Place at Kuala Lumpur

The 2nd Coordination Meeting of OIC Islamic Universities was convened at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Jointly organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and IIUM under the theme "University for Society," the event gathered Presidents, Rectors, and representatives of OIC Islamic Universities, including the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU), Islamic University in Niger (IUN), and King Faisal University (URFT) in Chad. Representatives from OIC Institutions such as COMSTECH, IsDB, SESRIC, ISF, IRCICA, ICYF, and IIFA also participated to explore strategies for leveraging education to address societal needs.

The event was inaugurated by Tan Sri Samsudin Osman, President of IIUM, in the presence of distinguished Members of the IIUM Board of Governors, including the Ambassadors of Bangladesh, Libya, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

H.E. Amb. Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology, delivered an opening address on behalf of H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In his remarks, the Assistant Secretary-General emphasized the critical role of Islamic Universities as catalysts for societal development and the need to align academic initiatives with pressing global challenges.

Amb. Khokher highlighted the contributions of OIC-affiliated Universities in advancing societal transformation through education grounded in Islamic values. He outlined priorities such as increasing scholarships for students from less-developed countries, incorporating environmental education to address climate change, and equipping students with digital and technological skills to navigate evolving global landscapes. He underscored the significance of promoting gender equity, enhancing peace and interreligious dialogue, and strengthening partnerships with industries and governments. He further urged participants to prioritize establishing agricultural colleges to bolster food security and implement recommendations from the first session of the Coordination Meeting, held in Jeddah on 16 January 2024.